Description

Garibaldi Lake was formed over 9,000 years ago during the last Ice Age, when a volcano named Clinker Peak erupted.

Dacite lava formed a 450m tall ice-contact dam known as The Barrier, blocking the glaciated valley[1].

Meltwater pooled behind The Barrier, creating what is now Garibaldi Lake and one of the most loved destinations in the Lower Mainland.

Inflow to the lake continues today from the nearby Sphinx and Sentinel glaciers, whilst water flows out through cracks in The Barrier. The trail is demanding, with 1000m of elevation gain, but is well-maintained, making it accessible to moderately experienced hikers.

From the Rubble Creek trailhead, over 20 switchbacks take you up 770m to a major intersection.

The right fork to Garibaldi Lake is described here, but taking the left fork would allow for a loop via Taylor Meadows.

After the turnoff, you'll be rewarded with a wide-open view of The Barrier.

If it ever collapsed, water from the lake would release onto the town of Squamish with catastrophic effect[2]. Once at the lake, follow the shore to the campground where there are 50 tent sites, 4 day-use shelters, and 4 pit toilets.

Note that as of 2018, BC Parks requires reservations year-round for camping at both Garibaldi Lake and Taylor Meadows: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/garibaldi/#Reservations. Numerous options exist beyond here for those with the time and experience; Black Tusk and Panorama Ridge being the most well-known.

Otherwise, once you have taken in the views and replenished your energy reserves, head back down the same way. Sources: 1).

105 Hikes by Stephen Hui.

Published 2018 by Greystone Books. 2).

Garibaldi Lake a ticking time bomb? https://www.squamishchief.com/news/garibaldi-lake-a-ticking-time-bomb-1.1753732.